NETBALL
GIPPSLAND STARS
By TOM HAYES
THE Gippsland Stars recently announced they would field a VNL Championship side for the 2025 season, revealing the coaching staff for the inaugural season.
Karen Meredith was announced to be the VNL Championship coach for the Stars. She has a plethora of coaching experience at a number of VNL programs.
Her ties to Gippsland are true, as the lead coach at the Eastern Talent Academy in Gippsland. Meredith is currently the head coach at Pakenham Lions.
Gippsland Stars Under 23 assistant coach, Stacie Gardiner, will take the next step, becoming the assistant coach of the Championship side. She will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the Championship team, as well as playing in the side.
Lastly, Moe Lions premiership coach Ramayer Gourley will join the side as a specialist coach, working side by side with Gardiner. Gourley has a wealth of VNL experience.
The Gippsland Stars also announced that Jo Ballinger will remain as the U23 coach for the 2025 season, and will be joined by the incoming Rachael Patterson as assistant coach next season.
Patterson is a two-time Gippsland League A Grade premiership coach and has led many successful representative sides.
An expression of interest has been posted to the Gippsland Stars’ socials, calling for Gippsland-based netballers who might be interested in joining the open-age Championship side.
Players who are interested to play in the highest state league competition are urged to register their interest at: forms.office.com/r/1EJkkpbDv4
SOON to be in action is Morwell and U23 Gippsland Star, Anna Solomon, who was selected to represent Victoria’s First Nations team.
The Netball Australia First Nations tournament involves U23 teams from around the country in a three-day competition in Melbourne this week (September 13 to 15).
The pilot hopes to offer an opportunity for First Nations netballers, coaches and umpires across the country.
Solomon made the 10-player squad (plus four training partners) to compete at the tournament.
